NFL Predictions: Redskins vs. Cowboys Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 26 September 2011 20:56

Our preview of the Monday night NFL game between the Redskins and Cowboys will include predictions on the final score.

The Washington Redskins (2-0) and the Dallas Cowboys (1-1) are all set for their 8:30 PM ET showdown tonight, and we’ll preview what to expect from both NFC East squads.  Dallas and Washington meet up at least twice every season, and the wagering underdog between these teams has managed to cover the point spread in an amazing 21 of 27 games.

5Dimes Sportsbook has the Monday Night Football odds favoring the home-team Cowboys by 3.5, while the total is at 45.  Washington’s undefeated start to the year has apparently convinced a large amount of bettors that the Redskins are for real.  Close to 60% of tracked NFL bets are being made on Washington, and the spread has gone down from when Dallas debuted as 5.5-point favorites.  Bet on the Redskins vs. Cowboys game at 5Dimes Sportsbook and receive a 50% cash bonus just for getting started!

The Redskins started their 2011 campaign off with a 28-14 win against the New York Giants, and then extended their record to 2-0 in a 22-21 defeat of the Arizona Cardinals.  Washington has showed a nice mix of the run and the pass, and they’ll make their first road start of the year against a Dallas defense that is allowing just 59.5 rushing yards per game.  Washington only ran for 55 yards in last year’s defeat in Dallas, but the Redskins did manage to put up quite a bit of points in the 30-33 loss.

The Cowboys have wide receiver Dez Bryant (thigh), quarterback Tony Romo (ribs), and tight end Jason Witten (ribs) all listed as probable for tonight’s game against the Redskins, while running back Felix Jones (shoulder) is doubtful and wide receiver Miles Austin (hamstring) is out.  Dallas dropped their season opener 24-27 to the New York Jets before getting their first win in San Francisco against the 49ers last time out.

This will be the first game for the Cowboys in Dallas this year, but all those injuries to the offense have to be a bit troubling for the team chemistry.  The Cowboys are averaging just 54.5 rushing yards per game and they really need to improve in this facet to take some pressure off of Romo.  Dallas has thrown for 275 or more yards in their last 3 meetings against the Redskins, and it appears they’ll once again top that number tonight.

The Redskins have a strong offense, but they need the running game to be contributing to be at their best.  That might be a tall order against a Dallas defense that has allowed just 3.0 yards per carry this year, but the Redskins mix it up so well on offense that they should be able to move the ball in this tough road environment.

Redskins vs. Cowboys NFL predictions call for this to be a fairly low-scoring game with both teams making lengthy drives but ultimately bogging down in the red zone.  I think Washington has the superior offense at this early point in the season, while Dallas has the edge when it comes to defense.  This game could realistically go either way, but I am going to pick the Redskins to grab the win by 3 in a close one.  They are healthier and seem like a better bet to move the ball efficiently.

Redskins vs. Cowboys Score Predictions:

Redskins 20

Cowboys 17